Formol-ether Concentration Method Research Articles

Prevalence of enteric parasitic infections among people living with HIV in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

IntroductionEnteric parasitic infections have been increasingly recognized as etiology of life-threatening chronic diarrhea in PLWHA in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the prevalence and burden of intestinal parasitic infection among PLWHA in Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria.MethodsFreshly passed stool samples were collected from PLWHA. Detection of Cryptosporidium spp and Microsporidium spp was carried out with Kinyoun's stain and Weber's Chromotrope-based stain respectively. Investigation of other intestinal parasites was done using the direct saline preparation and formol-ether concentration methods. CD4+ T cell count was measured using Partec flow cytometry techniqueResultsA total of 231 (males: females 96:135; mean age 31.81±11.40 years) PLWHA were recruited into the study, among whom 84 (36.4%) were infected with at least one intestinal parasites. Fifty two (22.5%) individuals were positive for Cryptosporidium spp and a significant association between Cryptosporidium sppand diarrhea was observed (p=0.006). Seven (3.0%) were positive for Microsporidium spp. Helminths recovered included Ascaris lumbricoides (20.8%), hookworm (6.5%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.3%), Trichuris trichiura (5.6%) and Taenia spp. (5.6%). Cryptosporidium spp, Microsporidium spp and S. stercoralis were significantly associated with CD4+ count ≥ 200 cells/mm3 (p<0.05). Cryptosporidium sppand A. lumbricoides were significantly observed among patients that are anti-retroviral therapy (ART) naive.ConclusionHigh prevalence of opportunistic parasitic infection was significantly correlated with diarrhea, low CD4+ count and ART naïve individuals in the study. These findings re-emphasize the need for early diagnosis of opportunistic parasites and appropriate intervention among PLWHA.

Determination of Cryptosporidium spp. in Van cats by nested PCR

The present study was conducted to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. agents in cats from the Turkish Van Cat Shelter at YüzüncüYıl University by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and nested PCR. Individual stool samples were obtained from 30 adult females, 30 adult males and 40 kittens – a total of 100 Van cats were analyzed in the study. A simplified formol-ether concentration method was applied to all samples. The samples were then examined microscopically by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. As a result of the staining, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were identified in stool samples of 3 kittens in the microscopic examination. After that, PCR and nested-PCR were conducted with suitable primers. Nested PCR identified 5 kittens (5%) as positive. As a result, it was concluded that nested PCR was a superior diagnostic method for Cryptosporidium diagnosis compared with staining methods and that infected cats could be a health hazard for other cats and individuals, since Cryptosporidium spp. agents infect via the faecal-oral route. Therefore, we believe it is necessary to raise the awareness of people in contact with cats..

Epidemiology of intestinal helminthiasis among school children with emphasis on Schistosoma mansoni infection in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal helminth infections are major parasitic diseases causing public health problems in Ethiopia. Although the epidemiology of these infections are well documented in Ethiopia, new transmission foci for schistosomiasis are being reported in different parts of the country. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and other intestinal helminth infections among school children and determine the endemicity of schistosomiasis in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia.MethodsCross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted by collecting stool samples for microscopic examination and snails for intermediate host identification. Stool samples were collected from 503 children and processed for microscopic examination using Kato-Katz and formalin-ether concentration methods. Snails collected from aquatic environments in the study area were identified to species level and Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails, the intermediate host of S. mansoni,, were individually exposed to artificial light in order to induce cercariae shedding. Cercariae shed from snails were used to infect laboratory-bred Swiss albino mice in order to identify the schistosome to species level.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was 72.2% among school children. S. mansoni infection prevalence was 58.6%. The prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infections varied among schools and sex of children. Swimming was the only factor reported to be significantly associated with S. mansoni infection (AOR = 2.954, 95% CI:1.962-4.449). Other intestinal helminth species identified were hookworms (27.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.7%), E. vermicularis (2.8%), Taenia species (2.6%), T. trichiura (1.2%) and H. nana (0.6%). Only B. pfeifferi snails collected from streams shed schistosome cercariae and 792 adult S. mansoni worms were harvested from mice exposed to cercariae shed from B. pfeifferi on the 6th week post-exposure.ConclusionThe present study found high level of intestinal helminth infections in the study area. The study also confirmed autochthonous transmission and endemicity of S. mansoni as evidenced by both parasitological and malacological findings as well as by further establishing infections in lab-bred mice. Therefore, there is a need to include the area in the control programs with anti-helminth drugs and also consider other complementary measures including sanitation, provision of clean water supply, and snail control.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Shush County, Southwest of Iran during 2014 - 2016

Background: Approximately, one-third of the worlds population are in the influence of intestinal parasite infections (IPIs). The infections can cause a whole range of clinical symptoms such as watery or mucoid diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting and nausea, abdominal pains, as well as a fever. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate IPIs in Shush County, southwest Iran, during 2014 - 2016. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, 15132 stool samples were collected during 2014 - 2016. The stool samples were evaluated microscopically for the presence of parasite trophozoites, cysts, and eggs using direct and formalin-ether concentration methods. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 and statistical Chi-square test. Results: Of the 15132 stool samples, 778 (5.14%) were positive for IPIs, where 429 (55.14%) were female and 349 (44.85%) were males, respectively. Entamoeba histolitica/dispar was detected as the most common parasite in 313 (2.06%) specimens (172 females, 141 males). Other parasites were included, 158 (1.04%) Giardia lamblia (83 females, 75 males), 150 (0.99%) Blastocystis hominis (84 females, 66 males), and 155 (1.02%) Entamoeba coli (90 females, 65 males). Furthermore, 2 (.0.013%) Trichuris trichiura were detected only in males. Conclusions: The results show that a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasite infections were observed among individuals. Since the parasitic infections can cause malabsorption, severe diarrhea, paralytic ileum, intestinal obstruction, cholecystitis, liver inflammation, pulmonary, as well as renal complications, the health authorities of Shush County must pay more attention to control and prevent the transmission of intestinal parasites to individuals.

Comparative assessment of intestinal helminths prevalence in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) intervention and non-intervention communities in Abeokuta, Nigeria

ObjectiveThis study compared the prevalence of intestinal helminths in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) intervention and non-intervention communities in Abeokuta, Nigeria. MethodsStool samples were collected from 225 respondents in a study carried out between July and November, 2014. Stool samples were examined for presence of helminths using Formol-Ether concentration method. Data collected from stool samples were analyzed using SPSS for Windows (version 16). ResultsResults showed that, at the intervention community, 88 out of 113 respondents were infected with at least one helminth infection while at non-intervention community, 80 out of 112 respondents were infected. This result revealed overall helminth prevalence of 78% at Mawuko and 71% at Isolu. In both intervention (Mawuko) and non-intervention (Isolu) communities, hookworm was the most prevalent helminth observed (21% and 18%, respectively) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (13% and 13%, respectively), Taenia sp. (4% and 3%, respectively) and Trichostrongylus sp. (1% and 3%, respectively). Cases of single infections of Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis and Hymenolepsis nana were observed only at the non-intervention community. However, S. stercoralis occurred in the multiple infections observed at the intervention community. Significantly more (p < 0.05) cases of infections were observed in male (46%) at the intervention community than female (31%) while in non-intervention community females (39%) were significantly (p < 0.05) more infected than their male counterparts (32%). ConclusionsThis study concludes that the Community Led-Total Sanitation intervention programme, which was executed in Mawuko was not effective as expected.

Copro-PCR prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs in Kerman, south-eastern Iran.

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of taeniid parasites and the specific detection of Echinococcus granulosus using copro-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in the stray dogs of Kerman, south-eastern Iran. From September 2013 to May 2014, faecal samples of stray dogs were collected from different parts of the city of Kerman and its suburbs. Faecal samples from dogs were collected randomly within 24 h of defecation. All samples were transferred to the research lab and coprological examinations were conducted by the formalin-ether concentration method. In the microscopically positive samples, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) specific primers were used to determine the taeniid identity of the infection. In addition, another set of primers was used for the specific diagnosis of E. granulosus sensu lato. In total, 307 faecal samples from stray dogs were examined for the presence of the parasites. Taeniidae eggs were detected in 34 dogs (11.07%). All 34 taeniid-positive specimens were PCR positive for cox1 (444 bp). Of all taeniid-positive specimens, 21 samples (6.8% of all dog specimens) were positive according to primers specific for E. granulosus. The findings of the present study revealed that canine echinococcosis is prevalent in the stray dogs in Kerman. The findings of the present study have important implications for hydatid control programmes in the area.

Prevalence and risk factors of undernutrition among schoolchildren in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso

BackgroundMultiple factors determine children’s nutritional status, including energy and nutrient intake, recurrent infectious diseases, access (or lack thereof) to clean water and improved sanitation, and hygiene practices, among others. The “Vegetables go to School: improving nutrition through agricultural diversification” (VgtS) project implements an integrated school garden programme in five countries, including Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and its risk factors among schoolchildren in Burkina Faso before the start of the project.MethodsIn February 2015, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 455 randomly selected children, aged 8–14 years, in eight schools in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso. Nutritional status was determined by anthropometric assessment. Helminth and intestinal protozoa infections were assessed using the Kato-Katz and a formalin-ether concentration method. A urine filtration technique was used to identify Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Prevalence of anaemia was determined by measuring haemoglobin levels in finger-prick blood samples. Questionnaires were administered to children to determine their knowledge of nutrition and health and their related attitudes and practices (KAP). Questionnaires were also administered to the children’s caregivers to identify basic household socio-demographic and economic characteristics, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions. To determine the factors associated with schoolchildren’s nutritional status, mixed logistic regression models were used. Differences and associations were considered statistically significant if P-values were below 0.05.ResultsComplete datasets were available for 385 children. The prevalence of undernutrition, stunting and thinness were 35.1%, 29.4% and 11.2%, respectively. The multivariable analysis revealed that undernutrition was associated with older age (i.e. 12–14 years compared to <12 years; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.12–5.62, P < 0.001), multiple pathogenic parasitic infections (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.02–3.43, P = 0.044) and with moderate and severe anaemia in children (aOR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.25–5.08, P = 0.010).ConclusionsWe found high prevalence of undernutrition among the children surveyed in the two study regions of Burkina Faso. We further observed that undernutrition, anaemia and parasitic infections were strongly associated. In view of these findings, concerted efforts are needed to address undernutrition and associated risk factors among school-aged children. As part of the VgtS project, WASH, health education and nutritional interventions will be implemented with the goal to improve children’s health.Trial registrationISRCTN17968589 (date assigned: 17 July 2015).

Significance of Nitric Oxide Level in Giardiasis.

Giardiasis is one of the most prevalent intestinal protozoa infections in humans. Nowadays, nitric oxide (NO) is known to be involved in the immune system against Giardia intestinalis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of NO in individuals with giardiasis in comparison to normal subjects. This descriptive study was conducted among 49 Giadia positive and 39 age and gender matched healthy volunteers. Examination of stool samples was done by wet mount technique and formol-ether concentration method. Serum samples were obtained for laboratory examination. NO production was quantified by measuring nitrite, a stable end product of NO, using the Griess reaction based on ELISA method. By using the standard curve in Excel program, the concentration of NO2- in samples was obtained. Finally, all data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Values obtained from NO assays were placed into 4 groups: ≤ 10 (decline), 10.01 - 15 (normal), 15.01 - 25 (increase), and more than 25 µM (sharp increase). The mean level of NO in patients with G. intestinalis was 32.19 ± 2.15 µM and in people without G. intestinalis was 17.1 ± 1.33 µM. Eight point two percent of patients with Giardiasis were in normal range, but 2%, 20.4%, and 69.4% were in decline, increase, and sharp increase ranges, respectively. In group 2 (without infection), 17.9% were in normal range, and 20.5%, 51.3%, and 10.3% were in decline, increase, and sharp increase ranges, respectively. There was a statistical difference in nitric oxide levels between positive and negative groups with a 95% confidence interval. (p-value = 0.001). In our study, the number of people who showed a sharp increase in NO levels was significantly higher in individuals with giardiasis as compared to the control group, and patients infected with giardiasis showed significant increase in NO levels. Therefore, we suggest that further studies are required to understand the exact function of NO in the immune system against giardiasis in humans. It will be important to offer a new therapeutic target for eliminating G. intestinalis.

Effect of anthelminthic treatment on helminth infection and related anaemia among school-age children in northwestern Ethiopia.

BackgroundInformation about improvements in the health status of population at-risk of helminth infection after anthelminthic treatment helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the large scale deworming program. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of anthelminthic treatment on the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminth infection, haemoglobin level and prevalence of anaemia among school-age children.MethodsA total of 403 children attending Tikur Wuha Elementary School in Jiga, northwestern Ethiopia were enrolled in this study between February and March 2011. Formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz methods were used to examine stool for intestinal helminth infections at baseline and one month after anthelminthic treatment. Haemoglobin level was measured using Hemocue machine at baseline and one month after anthelminthic treatment.ResultsOut of 403 school children examined, 15.4 % were anaemic and 58.3 % were infected with intestinal helminths at baseline. Hookworms (46.9 %), Schistosoma mansoni (24.6 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.2 %) and Trichuris trichiura (1.7 %) infections were common. The odds of anaemia was higher among children infected with helminths (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.83, 95 % CI = 1.92, 7.62) especially in those infected with hookworm (aOR = 2.42, 95 % CI = 1.34, 4.39) or S. mansoni (aOR = 2.67, 95 % CI = 1.46, 4.88) and two or more helminth species (aOR = 7.31, 95 % CI = 3.27, 16.35) than those uninfected with intestinal helminths at baseline. Significant reduction in prevalence of helminth infection (77.0 %) and increment in mean haemoglobin level (+3.65 g/l) of children infected with helminths was observed one month after anthelminthic treatment. The increase in haemoglobin level after anthelminthic treatment was significantly positively associated with the age, but negatively associated with the haemoglobin level at baseline. The change in mean haemoglobin level was significantly higher among undernourished than normal children. Percent reduction in the prevalence of anaemia among children infected with helminths was 25.4 % after anthelminthic treatment.ConclusionsThe present study provides evidence that anthelminthic treatment of school-age children infected with intestinal helminth can improve haemoglobin level in addition to reducing the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections one month after treatment. This suggests that deworming of children may benefit the health of children in sub-Sharan Africa where hookworm and S. mansoni infections are prevalent.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso.

BackgroundUnsafe drinking water, unimproved sanitation and lack of hygiene pose health risks, particularly to children in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in school-aged children in two regions of Burkina Faso.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 2015 with 385 children aged 8–14 years from eight randomly selected schools in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso. Stool samples were subjected to the Kato-Katz and a formalin-ether concentration method for the diagnosis of helminths and intestinal protozoa infections. Urine samples were examined with a urine filtration technique for Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Water samples from community sources (n = 37), children’s households (n = 95) and children’s drinking water cups (n = 113) were analysed for contamination with coliform bacteria and faecal streptococci. Data on individual and family-level risk factors were obtained using a questionnaire. Mixed logistic regression models were employed to determine factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren.ResultsIntestinal parasitic infections were highly prevalent; 84.7 % of the children harboured intestinal protozoa, while helminth infections were diagnosed in 10.7 % of the children. We found significantly lower odds of pathogenic intestinal protozoa infection (Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar and Giardia intestinalis) among children from the Plateau Central, compared to the Centre-Ouest region (P < 0.001). Children from households with “freely roaming domestic animals” (P = 0.008), particularly dogs (P = 0.016) showed higher odds of G. intestinalis, and children reporting exposure to freshwater sources through domestic chores had higher odds of S. haematobium infection compared to children without this water contact activity (P = 0.035). Water quality, household drinking water source and storage did not emerge as significant risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in children.ConclusionsIntestinal protozoa but not helminths were highly prevalent among schoolchildren in randomly selected schools in two regions of Burkina Faso. Our findings call for specific public health measures tailored to school-aged children and rural communities in this part of Burkina Faso. It will be interesting to assess the effect of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions on the transmission of intestinal parasitic infections.Trial registration ISRCTN17968589 (date assigned: 17 July 2015).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1835-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Intestinal parasite infections and associated risk factors in communities exposed to wastewater in urban and peri-urban transition zones in Hanoi, Vietnam.

BackgroundInfections with intestinal parasites (helminths and intestinal protozoa) are endemic in Southeast Asia and inappropriate management and reuse of wastewater might exacerbate the risk of human infections. In rapidly growing urban settings, little is known about the extent of intestinal parasite infections. We assessed the point-prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasite infections in population groups differently exposed to wastewater in urban and peri-urban transition zones in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out between April and June 2014 in people aged ≥ 18 years at risk of wastewater exposure from To Lich River: workers maintaining wastewater treatment facilities; urban farmers reusing wastewater; and urban dwellers at risk of flooding events. For comparison, two peri-urban population groups living in close proximity to the Red River were chosen: farmers using river water for irrigation purposes; and people living in the same communities. A single stool sample was subjected to Kato-Katz and formalin-ether concentration methods for the diagnosis of helminth and intestinal protozoa infections. A questionnaire was administered to determine risk factors and self-reported signs and symptoms.ResultsA total of 681 individuals had complete data records. Highest point-prevalence rates of intestinal parasite infections were observed for peri-urban farmers (30 %). Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura were the predominant helminth species (25 % and 5 %, respectively). Peri-urban farmers were at higher odds of infection with intestinal parasites than any other groups (adjusted odds ratio 5.8, 95 % confidence interval 2.5 to 13.7). Lack of access to improved sanitation and not receiving deworming within the past 12 months were associated with higher infection risk, while higher educational attainment and socioeconomic status were negatively associated with intestinal parasite infections.ConclusionsOur results suggest that exposure to wastewater was not directly associated with infection with helminths and intestinal protozoa in different population groups in Hanoi. These findings might be explained by a high level of awareness of health risks and access to safe sanitary infrastructure in urban areas. The high prevalence rates observed in peri-urban farmers call for specific interventions targeting this population group.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1809-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Haftkel County, Southwest of Iran

Background: Nowadays, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are one of the most common and serious public health problems, which affected 3.5 billion people worldwide, especially in developing countries. During the time of distribution, the pattern of disease may alter as a result of changing the life style of residents. Objectives: The current study was aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in the town of Haftkel, southwest Iran. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 13698 stool specimens were collected during 2010 - 2013. For all samples, both direct smear and formalin ether concentration methods were done. Finally data analysis was performed using SPSS version 11.0.1 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: 658 (4.8%) out of 13698 specimens were positive for IPIs and Giardia lamblia was detected in 433 (3.16%) samples as the commonest parasite. Other parasites were included: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (0.7%), E. coli (0.56%), E. hartmanni (0.21%), Blastocystis hominis (0.1%), Hymenolepis nana (0.04%), Taenia spp (0.014%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.007%). A decreasing trend was observed in the prevalence of intestinal parasites in which the frequency was 281 (6.42%) cases in 2010 and declined to 114 (3.83) in 2013. The maximum and minimum infection was seen in the summer season (34.35%) and winter (15.35%), respectively. Furthermore, the number of infected men was significantly higher than women (64.5% against 35.5%). Interestingly, no hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura eggs were seen in the current study. Conclusions: Based on the current findings, IPIs particularly helminthic cases have been declined during the past decades. Therefore, health education and improving facilities environmental especially in rural and semi-urban areas can be helpful.

Assessment of intestinal helminths in community school children of Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Two hundred and forty stool samples from three primary schools in Khana Local Government of Rivers State were examined to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminthes in pupils. The stool samples were examined using the direct wet preparation and formol ether concentration methods. The study showed that 126 females and 114 males were examined in three communities (Sii, Gwara and Gure). An overall prevalence of 70% was recorded; out of which 57 (23.7%), 53 (22.1%) and 58 (24.2%) were recorded for Sii, Gwara, and Gure respectively. Eighty three (34.5%) males and 85 (35.4%) females were infected as follows: 27 (11.2%), 30 (12.5%); 24 (10.0%), 29 (12.1%) and 32 (13.3%), 26 (10.8%) for Sii, Gwara, and Gure, respectively. Also 286 helminth worms were recovered as follows; 127 (44.4%), 114 (40%), 21 (7.3%), 20 (7%), 3 (1%) and 1 (0.3%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuira, Hookworms, Fasciola hepatica, Strongyloides stercolaris and Enterobius vermicularis respectively. There was no significant difference in pattern of infection between the sexes, and location of study (p-values &gt; 0.05). The study suggested that the high prevalence is an indication of prevailing unhygienic environment due to inadequate sanitary facilities and drinking water.Keywords: intestinal helminthes, school children, prevalence, sexes, infections

Intestinal parasitic infections in three geographical zones of Rivers State, Nigeria

The distribution of intestinal parasitic infections among school-age children was assessed in three geographical zones (rural, semi-urban and urban) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Stool samples were collected following ethical approval and consent from parents and teachers of the pupils and analyzed using both wet saline/iodine and formol-ether concentration methods. A total of 3,828 stool samples were collected from school children in thirty-six primary schools from thirteen Local Government Areas of Rivers State. Of the 3,828 stool samples examined, a total of 1,059 (27.66%) were positive for different intestinal parasites. Of the geographical zones, prevalence of infection was higher in the Rural area (35.32%), followed by the Urban area (34.75%) and semi-urban (29.93%). The differences were not statistically significant ( p >0.05). Sex-related infection shows that infections occurred more among boys (35.57%) in the rural area, followed by urban (34.43%) and semi-urban (30.0%). More females (35.19%) were infected in Urban followed by Rural (34.97%) and semiurban (29.94%). This high prevalence is of public health concern hence control measures and awareness strategy to improve sanitation should be developed. Keywords: intestinal parasitic infections, distributions, geographical zones, Rivers State, Nigeria

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among applicants for health cards attending Ahvaz East Health Center during 2012–2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among health card applicants attending Ahvaz East Health Center during 2012–2013. MethodsIn this descriptive cross-sectional study, stool specimens were collected between 14 614 and 12 444 people referred to Ahvaz East Health Center respectively in 2012 and 2013. Then, stool specimens were examined microscopically for the presence of parasite eggs, cysts and trophozoites using direct and formalin-ether concentration methods. ResultsAmong 14 614 applicants for health cards in 2012, 1 693 cases were diagnosed with parasitic infections: Giardia lamblia 1 445 (85.35%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 31 (1.83%), Oxyuris (pin worm) 29 (1.71%), Hymenolepis nana 60 (3.54%), and Entamoeba coli 128 (7.57%). Out of 12 444 applicants for health cards during 2013, 632 cases were diagnosed with parasitic infections: Giardia lamblia 510 (80.69%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 20 (3.17%), Oxyuris 19 (3.01%), Hymenolepis nana 46 (7.28%), and Entamoeba coli 33 (5.86%). In both years the most outbreaks have been reported in the spring and autumn, and the lowest outbreak has been reported during the winter. ConclusionsThe protozoa outbreak, such as Giardia, is more than multi-protozoa whose outbreak may be the result of parasite easy transferred by water and nutrients and the parasite cyst resistance under the worse conditions as well as its simple cell division. The outbreak percentage in 2012 is more than 2013 which may be the result of improving the individual health care level.

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthiasis among Children with Chronic Neurologic Disorders in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla

Background: Reports show that children with chronic neurological disorders (CNDs) are more prone to helminthic infestation. Major risk factors for high levels of intestinal helminthiasis such as poverty, personal hygiene and poor living conditions are common in developing countries. This study is undertaken to determine the prevalence and pattern of intestinal helminthiasis in children with CNDs in Enugu. Methods: A total of 130 children with CNDs matched with controls were consecutively recruited. Stool samples of the children were collected and analyzed using the formolether concentration method. Worm load was determined using Stoll's technique. Student t-test was used to compare the mean age of infected subjects and controls and Chi square test for significant association of categorical variables. Statistical tests were done at the 5% level of significance and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis among children with CNDs was 8.5% compared to 12.3% among the control group (p = 0.309). The specific intestinal helminths detected were Ascaris lumbricoides in 10 (7.7%) subjects and Trichuris trichiura in one (0.8%) subject. The mean age of subjects (6.5 ± 3.9 years) and controls (6.4 ± 3.6 years) infested with helminths compared favourably (t = 0.017, p = 0.90). There were more males (63.6%) than females (36.4%) who were infested. All infested study participants had low intensity infestation ranging from 10-60 eggs per gram of faeces. Infestation was more common in the lower and middle socio-economic classes. Method of human waste disposal, personnal hygiene, and habits such as finger sucking, nail-biting and pica did not influence the prevalence of helminthiasis in the study groups. Conclusion: There is a low prevalence of helminthic infestation among children with chronic neurologic disorders in Enugu. This may imply that these children are not neglected in our environment as often reported

Evaluation of Modified Formalin-Ether Concentration Method Using Para Tube in Clinical Settings

Conventional formalin-ether concentration method is a gold standard for the diagnosis of parasite infection. However, it may be time-consuming and laborious. We aimed to reveal the clinical usefulness of a modified formalin-ether concentration method using the Para Tube (KS Corporation, Korea) compared with the conventional method. A total of 117 fresh, unpreserved fecal samples composed to 90 negative controls and 27 positive controls with ova of Diphyllobothrium latum/D. nihonkaiense, ova of Clonorchis sinensis and cysts of Giardia lamblia were used in this study. Both methods showed comparable correct identification rate (87.2% for the Para Tube vs. 86.3% for the conventional method).When five samples were examined at once, the Para Tube method reduced the procedure time compared with the conventional method (19 min 58 sec vs. 23 min 18 sec, P=0.0286). We concluded that the modified formalin-ether concentration method using the Para Tube is a rapid, simple, and reliable fecal concentration method for clinical use.

Asymptomatic intestinal protozoa in school age children in Pategi, Pategi LGA of Kwara state, Nigeria.

Intestinal protozoan infection is one of the principal diseases contributing to human illness and suffering in tropical countries with significant effect of morbidity and mortality on children. The prevalence of intestinal asymptomatic protozoan infection was assessed (November, 2012 through May, 2013) among school age children in Pategi, Pategi Local Government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Four public primary schools with nursery, prebasic and basic sections were used for the study. The age range was from 1 to 15 years old. Seven hundred and forty eight (748) stool specimens were collected and examined for protozoan cysts using the direct wet preparation and formol-ether concentration methods. One hundred and ninety seven (26.3%) of the samples were positive for intestinal protozoan parasite. The distribution of the parasites was E. histolytica/dispar (75.1), E. coli (18.8) and G. lamblia (6.1%). Balantidium coli cyst was not detected in the stool samples of the pupils. Highest prevalence of E. histolytica was observed among Gboke primary school (35.0%), closely followed by Nyamkpan (31.7%) and Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) (5.9%). Due males (28.0%) were more infection and female (24.7%), the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05) except for G. lamblia infection (P<0.05). The public health implication of asymptomatic carriage of cyst of intestinal protozoan among low socioeconomic and sanitary standards of environments and children with poor personal hygiene was discussed. The use of mass chemotherapy and integrated measures of parasitic control would be of utmost importance in reducing the level of symptomatic infections among children.

Status of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Primary School Children in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Status of intestinal parasitic infections among primary school children in Rivers State, Nigeria, was investigated between January and December 2011. A total of 3,826 stool samples were collected from school children (1,828 males and 1998 females) in 36 primary schools from 13 local government areas of Rivers State. The samples were analyzed using wet saline/iodine and formol ether concentration methods. Of the 3,826 stool samples examined, 1059 (27.66%) were positive for different intestinal parasites, namely, Ascaris lumbricoides (51.78%), hookworm sp. (25.0%), Trichuris trichiura (15.18%), Strongyloides stercoralis (7.14%), Taenia sp. (0.89%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.01%). The prevalence of the infection was generally higher in males (57.60%) than females (42.40%). The differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Among these intestinal parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm sp., and Trichuris trichiura were found in all the 13 local government areas studied while Strongyloides stercoralis was found in 12, Taenia sp. in five, and Enterobius vermicularis in only one community in Ahoada Local Government Area. The overall infection rate remains high and would require coordinated deworming of the school children within the state.

Endoparasitaemia of Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus in a Tidal Freshwater Body in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

One hundred Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus were randomly selected from the New Calabar River to determine the effect of size and sex on the endoparasitaemia in the blood, heart, liver, kidney and Gastro-intestinal tract. The formol-ether concentration method was used to examine the samples. Data revealed an overall parasitaemia of 18 (18.0%). The size classes 301-400mm, 201-300mm and >169-200mm had 5(55.6%), 12(15.2%) and 1(11.1%) respectively while the size class 0.05), however the females had 11(20.4%) and the males had 7(15.2%) of their respective populations. Site specific endoparasitaemia showed that the gastro-intestinal tract harboured the highest (38.9%) parasitic load, while the kidney had the lowest (5.6%). The heart had (33.3%) and the blood and liver had (11.1%) parasitic load each. Fourteen (14) parasite species from 5 phyla were recovered from the fish samples namely: Protozoa - Coccidia sp. and Thelohanellus piriformis; Platyhelminth - Ascocotyle ceolostoma, Sanguinicola inermis, Sanguinicola armata, Atalostropion sp., Silurotaenia siluri, Tetrochetus coryphaenae, Biacetabulum appendiculatum and Tetraonchus monenteron; Nematoda - Strongyloides sp.; Acanthocephala - Acanthocephalus lucii and Neoechinorhynchus rutili; and Crustacea - Alebion elegans. Endoparasitaemia in the sampled population was influenced by the physico-chemical properties of the water body which is greatly affected by the intrusion of salt into the river due to its tidal conditions. However, the relatively high endoparasitaemia in the gastro-intestinal tract was associated with the nutrient rich ambience of the intestine which may allow easy establishment and multiplication of parasites.